By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The Network of Civil Society Organizations – Borno State (NECSOB) has strongly condemned the abduction of 48 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the Mussa Biri community of Askira Uba Local Government Area, describing the attack as a serious violation of children’s rights and a major threat to ongoing stabilization and educational recovery efforts in Borno State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, when suspected insurgents invaded the school premises during learning hours and abducted 48 pupils. Several other students reportedly escaped into nearby bushes during the attack, leaving parents, caregivers, and residents of the community in fear, confusion, and deep emotional distress.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director of NECSOB, Abubakar Abdullahi Suleiman, the organization acknowledged the efforts of both the Federal Government and the Borno State Government in tackling insecurity across the region. However, it called for intensified and coordinated action to ensure the immediate and safe return of the abducted children.
NECSOB also urged authorities to identify and prosecute all those connected to the attack, including suspected local informants and collaborators, in line with national and international human rights laws. The organization noted that attacks on schools and children continue to undermine access to education and threaten the progress achieved in rebuilding conflict affected communities.
According to the statement, “Weaponizing the education of vulnerable children is a grave violation of their fundamental human rights and undermines the right to education. This terrifying incident poses a direct threat to milestones achieved in our stabilization efforts and child enrolment drive.”
The organization demanded the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted pupils, as well as other innocent citizens currently held captive by insurgents. It also called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of students who reportedly fled into surrounding bushes during the attack.
NECSOB further stressed the need for a comprehensive review of the current security architecture in vulnerable communities, especially settlements bordering the Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains, and the fringes of Lake Chad. The group emphasized the importance of strengthening early warning systems and preventing further attacks on schools and other public facilities.
The organization also called for the full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration across all local government areas in Borno State through increased security presence, improved community policing, and enhanced protection around schools and healthcare centres.
In addition, NECSOB recommended the organization of town hall meetings involving community leaders, traditional institutions, and civil society groups to improve grassroots intelligence gathering and strengthen community vigilance against insurgent activities.
The organization reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected families and the people of Mussa Biri community, pledging to continue advocating for accountability and the safe return of every abducted child.
“We will not relent in holding duty bearers accountable until every child is back home and in the classroom,” the statement concluded.
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